TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) — According to the National Institute of Mental Health, 1 in 5 adults experiences a mental illness each year.
For many, finding a cure for their illness has become a trial-and-error process.
However, a local recovery center is using a more direct path.
Richard Gussler came to the Indiana Center for Recovery in Terre Haute suffering from addiction, depression, and anxiety. Nothing his doctor prescribed would solve his problems.
“It took years, years”, Gussler said. “They had me on a depression medicine that really wasn’t working and I would go back and forth.”
This year, Gussler took a DNA test to help find a suitable medication.
“I did the GeneSight testing and took the paperwork to my family doctor”, Gussler said. “From there, she was able to stop guessing what I needed and got me fixed right up. I’m doing so well because of it.”
Lora Nesting handles case management and peer recovery services at Indiana Center for Recovery. She said patients can take a DNA test from a mouth swap, then that test is sent to a lab. 7 to 10 days later, the results are returned.
“It tells us what medications metabolize for that particular persons genetics, so there isn’t this back and forth, trial and error, as far as what medication is going to work”, Nesting said.
Since his test came back, Gussler said his life has taken a complete turn for the better.
“I was a mess”, Gussler said. “I was in trouble with the law, life was horrible. I was angry all the time. Now, I’m happy, everything is good in my life. My relationships with my family is better, everything is good.”
If you are interested in DNA testing for medication or other services provided by Indiana Center for Recovery, they accept walk-in visits. You can also visit their website here.
